Caring for Your Skin During Coronavirus

Self care is something we all need to be practicing during these crazy times. Quarantine, social distancing, hand sanitizer, and masks are all parts of our everyday lives, our so-called “new normal”. 

But what about taking care of ourselves? Specifically, our skin. Your skin is the largest organ of the body and the first defense against illnesses. And even with shelves running low on your favorite beauty products, there are plenty of new items to try along with some at-home tricks to add to your arsenal. Plus, if you’re having cabin fever, a new skincare routine can incorporate something new into your everyday schedule! 

Caring for your skin has many benefits. Slowing the aging process, improving complexion, and even helping maintain mental stability are just some of the benefits from having a regimented skincare routine.

Let’s dive a little deeper into why your skin is so important and some helpful tips to keep it in tip-top shape! 

Let’s Start With The Basics

Skin is your body’s largest organ, but it’s perhaps the easiest to forget about. After all, we see it and touch it every day of our lives. But why is it so important to care for our skin? It’s important for our general health, but also our self-perception. If you’re good to your skin, it will take care of you. It’s important to take steps now (no matter how old you are) for long-term prevention. 

Using harsh soaps, constantly exfoliating, and picking at your skin creates scarring, roughness, and even infection if done in excess. When it comes to your skin, the simpler the better. Although the millions of skin cells you shed each day are replaced, using products loaded with alcohols, sulfates, and parabens can strip your skin of its natural oil, making it dry and itchy. Even though we’re in the middle of a pandemic, you can still try something new. Taking care of your skin will give you that luminous glow and help you feel sexy, even if you’ve been watching Netflix all day! 

Image: (https://image.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-applying-face-cream_1303-14312.jpg)

What You Should Do

Taking care of your skin doesn’t mean constant facials, plucking, picking, and washing. It means taking the time to figure out what you need. 

Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, getting into a routine will work wonders on your complexion. Here’s a sample routine to help nourish and pamper your skin:

• Wash: use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry or irritate your skin
• Exfoliate: Don’t go crazy with this one. Gently exfoliate 3-4 times a week with a cleanser or facial brush to get rid of dull skin and give it a lift. 
• Toner: Witch hazel and other naturally-derived astringents are great for further removing potentially harmful bacteria on your face. 
• Moisturize: Depending upon your skin’s oil level, use your preferred moisturizer that has at least an SPF of 15. Remember, the sun is the number one reason for wrinkles and aging. If this is a routine in the evening, consider an overnight moisturizer to help rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.

Why The Routine? 

A self-care routine isn’t just good for your skin–it’s good for your mind! Taking the time to wash your face in the morning and in the evening sets the tone for the rest of your day. Focusing on cleansing your skin in the evening, after your day’s activities, is also an additional way to ensure you’re rinsing off any exposure to airborne viruses or from touching your face throughout the day.

Along with improving daily habits, living through Coronavirus has taken a toll on millions of people. Job loss, lack of community, and anxiety are just some of the things we battle everyday because of this pandemic. While it may be a small thing, taking control of your physical health is a great way to find some brightness in your life. Taking care of your skin will not only help you look good, but feel good, too. 

Image:  https://unsplash.com/photos/J_shueNor80

So Get To It! 

What are you waiting for? Take the extra–not even–five minutes in the morning and night to take control of your skin’s health. Setting this simple and attainable goal can lead to even bigger challenges being accomplished. Plus, you get that time to pause and think about your day, all while reducing stress and washing away the day’s–or night’s–troubles. In the time of Coronavirus, it’s important to find solace in the little things, and a dedicated skincare routine can help you do just that. Whether you’re trying a new moisturizer or using a homemade sugar scrub, you can never go wrong taking care of yourself and your skin.